Ordinarily, this is where we would tell you that jazz pianist and radio show host Judy Carmichael, who performs Friday in Springfield, is a Grammy Award nominee, or we'd highlight something else from her career.

We'll get to all that in a minute. First, this tidbit we learned from the folks at Sangamon Auditorium, which is hosting Friday's concert.

It seems Carmichael's grandfather Albert Edward Hohenstein was from Springfield (and she has other relatives in the area). According to the story we were told, Hohenstein offered $50 to the first of his grandchildren who could learn how to play "Maple Leaf Rag." Young Judy won the prize. And a music career was launched.

Carmichael hosts the public radio program "Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired," where she talks to celebrities about how jazz music inspires them. The program airs at 11 p.m. Saturdays on WUIS-FM (91.9).

She's also a performer and recording artist. She's performed on CBS' "Sunday Morning," public radio's "A Prairie Home Companion," and on a number of other TV and radio shows.

Since 1980, Carmichael has released a number of solo recordings — often playing music from the American songbook with compositions by Hoagy Carmichael, Fats Waller, Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. Her album "Two Handed Stride" received a Grammy Award nomination.

Following Friday's concert, the audience is invited to a dessert reception hosted by Carmichael's aunt, Jo Alessandrini, and Jo's husband Guerry Suggs.